PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF CRUDE EXTRACTS OF BITTER LEAVES (Vernonia amygdalina) AND BOUNDARY TREE (Newbouldia laevis)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Vernonia amygdalina and Newbouldia laevis plants belong to the families of Astaraceae and Bignoniaceae. The leaves of Vernonia amygdalina and Newbouldia laevis were extracted using ethanol, n-hexane and water and the extracts were screened for phytochemical components. The phytoconstituents of the plants contained are Saponins, Tannins, Flavones, Glycosides, Alkaloids, Quinolines and Anthraquinones. Ethanol, n-hexane and water extracts of the leaves were tested for antibacterial activity against clinical isolates obtained from the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Agulu Branch, Anambra State Nigeria using agar diffusion assay and were found to show inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus. The sensitivity test results showed highest activity of 80mm zone of inhibition in 100mg/ml of ethanol extract against Streptococcus pneumonia. These extracts showed zone of inhibition higher than the selected antibiotics used as control. Therefore, the bioactive of Vernonia amygdalina and Newbouldia laevis leaves can serve as a lead for the development of new pharmaceutical therapeutic needs. That shows that the plants extracts can be used for the treatment of various bacterial infections.